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Recommend a Pressure Washer, Please?

Posted on 11/30/18 at 3:02 pm
Posted by lnomm34
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2009
12602 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 3:02 pm
I'm on the hunt for a pressure washer for my house. We have a fairly large ranch-style brick house with a decent size driveway and lots of other concrete surfaces that I want to be able to clean regularly.

I tend to want to oversize everything I buy so I'm looking for recommendations on pressure washers that would be able to do what I need without killing myself and will last a while. What kind of pressure and flow ratings should I be looking for?

Any brands to avoid? Should I look for ones with a particular engine? What about pump specs? Attachments?
Posted by weagle99
Member since Nov 2011
35893 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 3:06 pm to
I just used my Troybilt today. That said, I would only buy one with a Honda engine.
Posted by GoAwayImBaitn
On an island in the marsh
Member since Jul 2018
2128 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 3:45 pm to
Stay away from the inferior vertical shaft setups. These are the washers that look like a push mower. They are pretty much disposable and are good for light use. Good thing is a replacement pump is only about $60. They don't generate the pressure and volume for the big tasks. Go with a horizontal shaft axial pump setup at minimum. A triplex pump is even better and longer lasting, can usually be rebuilt but costs significantly more.
Posted by YawBaw7
Your Mom's house
Member since Jan 2017
414 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 4:12 pm to
Honda motor with CAT pump if you want the best.
Mine is about 20 years old and still works great.
Of course use only non-ethanol gas and it will last a long time

Home Depot
Posted by gumbo2176
Member since May 2018
14966 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 4:16 pm to
quote:

I just used my Troybilt today. That said, I would only buy one with a Honda engine


That's what I have. It's a TroyBilt with a Honda 160cc engine that puts out 2600 PSI and 2.5 GPM. I came with 5 nozzle attachments that go from a wide span to pinpoint. I tend to use the one right in the middle for much of my work around the house. I have a long driveway that can park 5 cars plus a 400 sq. ft. slab in the back yard and a couple hundred sq. ft. of sidewalk and walkways in front.

I use it to clean all the concrete surfaces and once a year I will power wash my entire house which is pretty damn big and all wood. It's 20 ft. to my gutters and the house is over 75 ft. long and 25 ft. wide, all wood exterior with working shutters and 31 windows.

The only issue I have had with the PW is the pump went out about 3 years ago and I replaced it with a beefier one than came stock. It is best to not let the machine run without water flowing for very long as the impeller keeps turning in the pump and this heats up and can cause failure. I bought it in 06 when I decided to repaint my house after Katrina flooded the ground floor.
Posted by Hammertime
Will trade dowsing rod for titties
Member since Jan 2012
43030 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 4:32 pm to
You're gonna want a surface cleaner for the driveway, or at least rent one. They typically have minimum flow requirements, which are usually around 3.5gpm. Bigger = more flow.

I've always bought from either Pressure Washers Direct , or Northern Tool. Been happy with all purchases. I wouldn't go less than 3500psi, because some stuff can be stubborn.

Posted by DownSouthDave
Beau, Bro, Baw
Member since Jan 2013
7365 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 5:52 pm to
Hydro-quip in baton rouge is a high quality, pressure washer made locally.
Posted by Neauxla
New Orleans
Member since Feb 2008
33441 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 5:56 pm to
I got a Ford one from Costco 2 years ago. Has been great so far
Posted by Hog Zealot
On the Flats
Member since Mar 2012
1625 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 6:46 pm to
Generac Speed Wash

Any experience with these? I was considering this for paver patio/driveway/sidewalk, and stucco on my house.
Posted by zackcary
Member since Jun 2011
284 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 9:50 pm to
I've been having a Karcher for 18yrs and it is still going strong. Whatever brand you get definitely get a Honda engine. Also if you don't use it often, and it doesn't have one already installed, add a fuel shut off valve.
Posted by Clames
Member since Oct 2010
16528 posts
Posted on 11/30/18 at 10:37 pm to
I was going to buy a frame, engine, and pump and build my own until I found a Mi-t-m unit at a local pawnshop. Had a Subaru 9 HP engine and a AA pump. I rebuilt the pump, tuned up the engine (which is way better built than an equivalent Honda commercial unit), and bought new wand, hose, and nozzles from a local paint store. Basically have a heavy-duty power washer for $600.
Posted by Man4others
Member since Aug 2017
2049 posts
Posted on 12/1/18 at 8:17 am to
I’ve been told to just just the Costco $299 special pressure washers and just replace them when they die. I’ve got a 3k psi Sampson that works great around the house. I’ve pressure washed the house twice with it so if it dies tomorrow so be it
Posted by lnomm34
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2009
12602 posts
Posted on 12/1/18 at 12:04 pm to
I was at Home Depot earlier today and had decided to buy a monster Dewalt machine (4400 PSI and 4.0 GPM with Honda engine) for $1,000. The box was up on the top of the rack, so I was trying to get some assistance from an employee with a lift to get it down. No one seemed interested in helping me so I talked myself out of spending the money.

On the way home, I called my dad and asked him to borrow one of his. I'll use his to wash what I need and then reassess what exactly I need based on how his does.

Thanks for the input from the Outdoor board crew. Much appreciated.
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